July Vignette

[Lilthis]

Lilly snuck into the back row. Winding and weaving her way through back alleys until find an unlocked door. Purchasing tickets was far more expensive than simply weasling one’s self into attendance. The char-skinned elf snuck through a few more hallways until she entered the main auditorium. A myriad of patrons were seated upon cushioned chairs laid out in rows as the audience stared ahead. A ruby curtain masked the show that all were gathered for.

Whispers and muffled conversing coated the entire chamber with noise. After a time, the crimson shade parted and revealed the assembly of instruments. Arranged throughout the stage with masterful talent holding their musical tools tightly. It was a grand symphony preparing to entertain all in attendance. Lilthis quickly grabbed a seat to avoid any unwanted attention.

It began as a whisper, vibrating cables that crescendoed into a shout. Finger tips suddenly lay siege unto strings that harped a story of frenetic concern. Lilthis shut both eyelids tightly. Fast paced and varied violins carried her off solid ground into a world of vibrancy and anxiety. Transported into something bigger than herself, stronger than herself, she caught a glimpse of chaos. Strumming frets on the necks of violas intensified as her journey took a violent twist from auditorium chair to wild imaginative landscape filled with suspense.

Suddenly, the horns of the symphony exploded into the elf’s eardrums. Lips kissed upon rosewood and brass as trumpeting sirens expressed themselves. And Lilly heard them, listening intently, her anxiety settled as their calming and deliberate notes paraded into the folds of her pointed ears. Now her conscious was moved into a relaxing realm of hope. Flutes and clarinets sang out to declare sheer joy. The lone slate skinned elf felt their ecstasy, consuming it entirely.

This was religion and purpose and life itself. Far more convincing than some ancient thayne, a rambling priest, or a supposed divine text. Music proved itself capable of delivering where words and gestures failed. Conveying emotions in an indescribable way matched only by the effects of hard narcotics, music was a truth that all beings knew. All creatures recognized its power. Music was there to make you cry, force a smile, or justify your love.

As the ride ended her feet returned to meet the wooden flooring. She stood, mood improved and perception focused. It was an excellent sermon.